Three factors mainly dominated the AP polling. Voters openly spoke of their preference for future development and progress of their State. They had to put the state in safe hands. This requires somebody with experience and good track record. Adding to this positive mood, beneficiaries of monthly cash benefits boosted pro-government mood. Women, aged voters and handicapped pensioners went with the TDP. Vast majority of these segments voted and raised polling percentages.

The last five years are very painful for all sections of AP people. The insulting words of KCR have further hurt their ego and collective psyche. Moreover, AP settlers in Hyderabad and rest of Telangana are facing their worst time ever since the 2014 state separation. There’s a steady reverse migration as farmers, professionals, labourers and such people are coming back to their towns and villages in AP. This has created a strong anti-Telangana sentiment. A few rich Andhras like Jagan is comfortable in Hyderabad while others are eager to come back at any given chance.

All through modern Andhra history, the Telugus suffered many injustices. But they owned up and developed Hyderabad though it is located in the middle of Telangana which is more of a mixed culture with strong North India impact than pure Telugu ethos. State separation did injustice to them. PM Modi’s approach did greater damage. The AP voters almost revolted against high-handed behaviour of Modi-KCR-Jagan trio.